Rubies

• Type: Gemstone, Treasure, Magical Item Component
• Owners: N/A (as a general material); specific items set with rubies were owned by Godric Gryffindor, Albus Dumbledore, and Harry Potter (Sword of Gryffindor).
• Maker: N/A (natural gemstone); Goblins are noted for crafting items with rubies.

Rubies are precious gemstones, highly valued in the Wizarding world for their deep red colour and beauty. Their appearance is consistent with their Muggle counterparts, known for their hardness and vibrant scarlet hue, which aligns perfectly with the house colours of Gryffindor. Their most prominent description in the series is as part of the Sword of Gryffindor, the hilt of which is set with “gleaming, egg-sized rubies”. They are also used in a granular form within the House Point Hourglasses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to represent the points accumulated by Gryffindor House.

While not inherently magical on their own, rubies are incorporated into significant magical constructs and serve important symbolic functions.

• House Point Tally: At Hogwarts, the giant hourglass that tracks Gryffindor's house points is filled with small rubies. For every point earned by a Gryffindor student, rubies fall from the top bulb to the bottom, providing a visual measure of the house's standing.
• Component in Magical Artefacts: Rubies are a key component in powerful, high-quality magical items, particularly those of goblin manufacture. The Sword of Gryffindor, made by Ragnuk the First, is the primary example. The rubies are integral to its identity and value as a masterpiece of goblin metalwork.
• Form of Wealth: Like other precious gems, rubies are a form of treasure and a symbol of great wealth. They are among the “glittering jewels” found within high-security vaults at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, such as the Lestrange Vault.

Rubies have been part of significant objects and systems in wizarding history for centuries. The earliest known significant use of rubies is in the creation of the Sword of Gryffindor in the 10th century. The goblin king Ragnuk the First, the finest of all goblin silversmiths, crafted the sword for Godric Gryffindor and set its pommel with large rubies. The magnificence of the sword and its rubies later became a point of contention, with some goblins, including Griphook, claiming Gryffindor had stolen it from Ragnuk. Rubies were also chosen to represent Gryffindor in the House Point Hourglasses, a system presumably established shortly after the founding of Hogwarts. Harry Potter first observes the rubies trickling down to mark points he and Ron Weasley earned after they defeated the troll in their first year. Later, at the end-of-year feast, Albus Dumbledore awards last-minute points that cause a “ruby cascade” in the hourglass, securing the House Cup for Gryffindor. In 1998, the rubies on the Sword of Gryffindor were a key identifying feature for Griphook, who coveted the artefact as a part of goblin heritage. His desire to reclaim the ruby-encrusted sword was his primary motivation for helping Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger break into the Lestrange Vault at Gringotts.

Rubies primarily serve as a powerful symbol for Gryffindor House, reinforcing its association with the colour red.

• Symbol of Gryffindor: Their use in both the House Point Hourglasses and on Godric Gryffindor's personal sword inextricably links the gemstone to the house's identity, values, and history. The red of the ruby can be seen to represent the courage and bravery for which Gryffindors are known.
• Catalyst for Conflict: The rubies on the Sword of Gryffindor are central to the lore and conflict surrounding the object. They are a testament to its value and goblin-made origins, which fuels Griphook's desire for it and leads to his eventual betrayal of Harry in the depths of Gringotts.
• Indicator of Value: The presence of rubies in treasure hoards or on magical items immediately signifies immense material worth and masterful craftsmanship within the Wizarding world.

The name “ruby” is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red.” This directly relates to its colour and its symbolic connection to the scarlet of Gryffindor House. Notably, the name of Rubeus Hagrid comes from the same Latin root. “Rubeus” can mean “red” or “ruddy,” which may allude to his flushed complexion and warm, if sometimes fierce, nature. This provides a thematic link between a key Gryffindor-affiliated character and the house's representative gemstone.

In the film adaptations of the *Harry Potter* series, the House Point Hourglasses are prominently featured, with the ruby-filled Gryffindor hourglass clearly visible in the Great Hall. The Sword of Gryffindor is also faithfully depicted with large, ornate rubies set into its hilt, matching its description in the novels. (film)